Mount Dora, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Lake Cares Food Pantry in support of the organization’s new, 22,000-square-foot facility and its critical need for an on-site emergency generator. The generator will ensure that perishable food like fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy remains safely stored during power outages, especially during hurricane season.

Lake Cares has served as a vital resource in Lake County since 2009, distributing food to over 71,000 individuals in 2024 alone, including families, veterans, homeless residents, and school-aged children. With food distribution hubs in eight Lake County locations, including Mount Dora, Eustis, Paisley, and Sorrento, the organization reaches people where they are, offering both mobile outreach and tailored support.

“The new generator means we won’t lose thousands of pounds of food when the power goes out. We’ll be ready to help our community exactly when they need us most,” said Kelsey Gonzalez, Executive Director of Lake Cares. “We’re incredibly grateful to the SECO Energy Foundation for helping make that possible.”

Lake Cares recently moved to its new facility in Mount Dora, which will house its warehouse, pantry, and administrative offices under one roof. The expanded space will also include a teaching kitchen, veteran and job advocate services, financial literacy programs, and more to address the root causes of food insecurity.

“Lake Cares is more than a food pantry. It’s a lifeline for thousands of local families,” said Matthew Roudabush, SECO Energy Foundation Board Vice President. “This grant ensures they can keep doing their essential work even in the most challenging circumstances.”

To learn more about Lake Cares or to support their efforts, visit www.lakecares.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. For more information, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.

Ocala, FL – The SECO Energy Foundation is proud to announce a $10,000 grant to Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL), a Marion County nonprofit working to solve the homeless pet crisis through prevention, outreach, and compassionate care.

Founded in 2015, VOCAL is a lifeline for pet owners facing financial hardship by providing spay/neuter services, basic veterinary care, pet food assistance, and more to thousands of animals each year. The SECO Foundation’s grant will help fund VOCAL’s Fix the Future program, which ensures that pet owners in crisis never have to choose between their wallet and their pet’s well-being.

“We believe that no one should be forced to give up a beloved pet or watch them suffer because they can’t afford basic care or a life- saving surgery that is within our scope of services,” said Linda Norman, VOCAL Co-Founder. “This grant helps us continue saying ‘yes’ to the families and animals who need us most.”

VOCAL’s services include:

• A low-cost veterinary clinic that is available to all pet owners.
• A robust feeding program feeding animals in 10 counties (1–1.5 million lbs. of food/year)
• Emergency aid for critical care especially for pyometra, a life-threatening infection that affects 24% of unspayed female dogs.
• Spay/neuter and vaccination services for low-income families, rescue groups, and colony caregivers
• Affordable dental services.

“For many families, pets offer comfort, stability, and emotional support,” said Jack Callahan, SECO Energy Foundation Board Member for District 3. “VOCAL is not only keeping animals out of shelters but also bringing dignity and relief to pet owners facing tough times. We’re honored to support their work.”

To learn more about VOCAL or request assistance, visit www.vocalforpets.org.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local charitable initiatives. The Foundation awards grants quarterly to organizations that focus on health and human services, veterans, public safety, STEM, energy, environmentalism, and education. To learn more, visit www.SECOFoundation.org.